Ketafuse is a calm, caring medically safe infusion service.

Our infusions offer hope and healing to those suffering from treatment-resistant depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders and chronic pain syndromes. We utilise a well-known dissociative anaesthetic agent to help patients overcome these illnesses.

What to Expect

Assessments

Firstly, we will need to meet you and assess your suitability for these infusions.

For this reason it is important that we first do a medical consultation. This is done by one of our doctors.

You will also need to be assessed by one of our trained psychologists. This can be done in person or online. He/she will assess your suitability for our infusions, and also help you set meaningful intentions for your journey. If the psychologist is in Knysna, he/she can be present during your infusion. Afterwards he/she will do a session with you called “Integration” – this is important to ensure that what you have experienced will be carried into your daily life going forward.

Once the assessments are complete, you will come for your infusion.

The Journey

Infusions take place in our fully equipped sedation suite. You will lie on a comfortable bed, and a small IV cannula (drip) will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand.

A syringe pump will control the flow of medication into your body. The sedationist will sit with you and monitor your heart rhythm, blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation throughout the infusion, as well as be there to reassure you.

The infusions last about 40 minutes, with a 20 minute recovery period thereafter. The intravenous route is the most predictable way of administering the medication. The dose used is calculated according to your ideal body weight.

During the infusion you will experience a relaxed dream state; you might feel disconnected from your body, and you may see or imagine strange things, lights, colours.

It is ideal to have calm music to listen to whilst undergoing an infusion. Noise-cancelling headphones are available for use, or you are welcome to bring your own music playlist and headphones.

You will need someone to drive you home after your infusion.

A course of 6 infusions in a one month period is recommended, followed by monthly maintenance infusions.

Safety

Our infusions are generally very safe, but are NOT suitable for patients suffering from the following conditions:

  • Cardiovascular – unstable angina, poorly controlled high blood pressure, high-risk coronary vascular disease
  • Psychiatric – acute intoxication with alcohol / other substances, active substance abuse, delirium or psychosis
  • Neurological – increased intracranial pressure from e.g. a tumour
  • Ophthalmic – increased intra-ocular pressure / glaucoma
  • Severe thyroid, adrenal or liver disease
  • Porphyria
  • Pregnancy

Side-effects

The most common short-term side effects are:

  • Mild nausea during the infusion (anti-emetic medication can be given to prevent this)
  • Increase in blood pressure and heart rate – usually normalizes after the infusion
  • Dizziness after the infusion, dissipating within a couple of hours afterwards
  • Feeling tired or groggy for the remainder of the day following the infusion

Most side effects are temporary and gradually subside after the infusion. Typically, any side-effects disappear after a full night’s sleep.

Cost

We aim to make our infusions as affordable as possible, especially if you consider how they can benefit you in the long-term. 
 
The cost includes the sedation-safe Ketafuse facility, medication, experienced medical and nursing staff and use of vital monitoring equipment.
 

Medical Aid Schemes are slowly realising the value of these infusions, and may pay all or part of our fee, depending on which scheme and plan you are on.

Financing is also available, should you need it.

Please go to (Click logo below):

Our 2026 rates are:

Initial consultation fee: R690.00

6 infusions over 3 weeks:

  • R2,550.00 (incl. VAT) per infusion x 6 = R15,300.00 (incl. VAT).

Single maintenance infusions and other infusion sequences (fewer than 6)

  • R2,650.00 (incl. VAT) per infusion.

Testimonials

Opting for ketamine therapy for pain management with Dr Knights, involving a 36-hour in-hospital infusion, has been an absolute game-changer for me. Living with chronic pain isn’t just physically draining, it takes a toll on your mental well-being, especially when life throws in its own set of stressors. However, Dr Knights understood my needs holistically and provided comprehensive support.

This being my second infusion, following the remarkable longevity of relief from my first treatment lasting about a year, I can confidently attest to its effectiveness. Ketamine not only relieved my physical pain but also unexpectedly boosted my mental outlook. Despite the pressures of life, I found a new sense of calm and resilience after each session. It felt as if a weight had been lifted, allowing me to tackle challenges with greater clarity and positivity.

I’m deeply grateful to Dr Knights for her expertise, support and compassion throughout this journey. If you’re looking for relief from pain and a lift in your mental well-being, I highly recommend exploring Ketafuse therapy – it’s been a real game-changer for me.

Female client, 56 years old

The results from my Ketafuse treatment has surpassed my expectations. After battling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, debilitating migraine and chronic pain for years, Ketafuse has stabilised my mood, reduced my pain levels and allowed me to function better. I am a more positive person and am able to deal with difficult life situations without being so easily triggered.

It has been life-altering! I am no more the victim, but the victor!

I am deeply grateful to Ketafuse for giving me this gift and I highly recommend the treatment offered by Ketafuse.

Female client, 35 years old

The infusions have dissolved ingrained habits so much that I could make major lifestyle changes for the benefit of my mental and physical health and wellbeing. Dr Knights saw me through the infusions with kindness and compassion. Highly recommended.

Male client, 56 years old

Covid had a huge effect on my mental health. After only 1 infusion my emotions are more manageable, I feel lighter and less bothered by simple things. I am confident and feel more myself! Dr Knights was very professional and comforting throughout my experience! Highly recommended!

Female client, 36 years old

I highly recommend these infusions! I suffer with severe depression and anxiety. Upon receiving this treatment I’m not nearly as tearful and anxious as I was in the past. I feel it’s easier get up in the morning and face the world. I find Dr Knights to be approachable, kind and compassionate

Female client, 58 years old

After 26 years of struggling with depression, I am now a different person. I am happy to be in my own body. My mind is clear, I am more positive, and my creativity is back. Dr Knights made me feel very comfortable and was next to me through every journey. My dreams have finally come true.

Female client, 61 years old

About Us

Dr Catherine Knights

Dr Catherine Joan Knights FCA(SA) is a Specialist Anaesthesiologist. She attained her anaesthetic specialty at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg in 2011. She currently works at the Knysna Life and Advanced private hospitals providing anaesthesia for a variety of surgical specialties. She has a special interest in opioid-free anaesthesia and ketamine for mental health and chronic pain disorders.

She established Ketafuse, an IV ketamine infusion clinic in Knysna central.

She is a member of the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA), the Society of Sedation Practitioners of South Africa (SOSPOSA), PainSA and the Society of Interventional Practitioners South Africa (SIPSA).

She is married to Ben, a Chemical Engineer, and they have 2 children, 2 dogs and 2 cats

Dr Mpho Rantlha

Dr Mpho Rantlha is a general practitioner who obtained her MBChB, cum laude from the University of Pretoria. She is ACLS certified, with a strong foundation in clinical research and an author of two scientific publications. Dr Rantlha has gained experience across a wide range of clinical disciplines, with particular exposure in emergency medicine during her training and practice.
She has worked in diverse healthcare settings, providing comprehensive, patient-centred care across both hospital and primary care environments. Her special interests include anaesthesia and emergency medicine, and she plans to pursue a career in anaesthesia. She currently works at Emerald Wellness in Knysna, where she is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.

Dr Wihcone Mouton

Dr Wihcone Mouton is a general practitioner. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Pretoria. She has accreditations in advanced cardiac and trauma life support (ACLS, ATLS) and aesthetics. She has a special interest in aesthetics and functional medicine. She has worked in rural communities as well as emergency medicine. She currently runs Emerald Wellness, a holistic wellness and medical practice in Knysna, and also works in the Life Knysna Private Hospital’s emergency department.

Dr Jennifer Harrison

Dr Jen Harrison is a general practitioner. She obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree at Wits University in 2009. Her passion is to empower clients with knowledge and understanding to make better daily life decisions.

She has a keen interest in functional medicine and implements these principles into her practice.This often entails the use of natural medicine and/or supplements, and diet to address the underlying inflammatory processes which impact and worsen chronic disease. She has training in hormone balancing and the use of bioidentical hormone therapy for menopausal management. She enjoys attending to the unique needs of women.

She cares deeply about people and always does her utmost to address clients’ concerns and offer management strategies that will suit the individual within their own personal context.

Dr Bianca Manley

Dr Bianca Manley is a general practitioner who graduated from Stellenbosch University. She has a postgraduate diploma in Primary Emergency Care and is certified for ATLS and ACLS. She has experience in a diverse range of facilities and communities. Her special interests are in women and child health, with a focus on holistic health strategies. She currently works at Emerald Wellness in Knysna.

Ilé Schutte

Psychologist in Knysna

Ilé Schutte is a Counselling Psychologist in private practice since 2014. Her qualifications include:

  • BSocSci Psychology (UP)
  • BA Hons Psychology (UNISA)
  • MA Counselling Psychology (UP)
  • Training and experience in various career guidance, personality and interest assessments.
  • Advanced training in Medical Hypno-Analysis.
  • Training in Interactional Pattern Analysis (IPA).
  • Accredited Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) practitioner.
  • Level 1 EMDR

Ilé works with adolescents and adults and assists with a multitude of psychological difficulties – she believes in not just alleviating symptoms, but also addressing the underlying cause of problems faced by individuals. She has worked with people from all walks of life and enjoys meeting people where they are at, walking alongside them on their journey to healing and helping them resolve deep-rooted traumas to fulfil their potential and have a life worth living.

Ilé works with individuals, couples and athletes (sport psychology) from amateur to elite international level.

After practicing in Pretoria for 8 years, Ilé relocated to Knysna and enjoys living in the beautiful, small town with her husband and two children. She enjoys being in nature and participates in running, cycling and horse riding and has always had a deep love for animals. Ilé considers it her life-purpose to help alleviate emotional pain  – she has a deep appreciation for the courage it takes to seek help and considers it a privilege to share in people’s stories and bear witness to their transformation.

You can contact her on ileschutte.co.za

Catherine Els

Clinical Psychologist in Port Elizabeth

Available for online sessions

Catherine has dedicated herself to practicing as a clinical psychologist for the past 19 years. After backpacking through Europe, she worked as a high school counsellor in Port Elizabeth, and then a special needs teacher in the UK. Through these endeavours she gained invaluable insights into human nature and the intricacies of working with individuals with special needs.

These diverse experiences paved the way for her academic pursuits. She was privileged to be able to complete her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Port Elizabeth in 2004. She has been practicing as Clinical psychologist for 19 years. Each step in this journey has contributed to shaping her both personally and professionally, instilling in her a deep passion for understanding and supporting individuals in their mental health journeys.

Beyond her professional endeavours she finds joy and fulfilment in her roles as a mother and a wife. She enjoys yoga, walking on the beach with her husband and dogs, and spending time with her beloved cats. She finds cooking creatively expressive as well as a form of relaxation. She is an avid reader and enjoys exploring new worlds and perspectives through books.

She is enthusiastic about exploring innovative methods to support individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

Contact us

Tel: +27 66 239 6044

Email: ketafuse@gmail.com